to go out with Thibault and set up some more surveillance at a new location we discovered after we got some intel from the detectives working on the case.”
My ears start to burn at this little development. May has never gone out with Thibault, just the two of them. If Thibault’s mission is to work surveillance, I’m the one who rides shotgun, not her.
I lift a finger, letting Ozzie know that I want to say something, but he just shakes his head at me and continues, shifting his focus to my right.
“Lucky, where are you and Jenny with the social media hacks? Is this all we can expect or is there more?”
Lucky clears his throat, but I don’t look at him. I stare at Ozzie, hoping to catch his eye. I could just be paranoid, but it almost seems like he’s avoiding looking at me.
“Jenny’s hooked into five different accounts now, I think? I’ll have to double-check her last email to me on that. I think we have a couple more to access, but we can get in and get transcripts put together really quick if you need us to.”
Ozzie nods. “Yes. Do that and get them over to Toni. Good job. Keep it up. Let me know what’s going on as it evolves. I have another meeting with the chief in a couple days, so it would be great to have more information for him.”
“You got it.”
I lift my finger again but Ozzie turns his attention to Thibault. “You have everything you need for the job today?”
Maybe it’s my imagination again, but I think Thibault sends a worried glance in my direction before he answers. “Yeah, we’re all set.”
“Okay, that’s it then.” Ozzie claps his hands together once. “Short meeting. If everyone could make sure to get your reports in on time so I can collect everything for the chief, that would be appreciated.” Ozzie finally looks at me, and I take his expression for a scolding.
Yeah, okay . . . so I didn’t do my report before Miss Perfect May did it for me. Whatever.
I’m fuming inside. I feel like I’ve been completely disregarded, and I’m pretty sure I know why, too. I wait until everyone filters out of the room, including Lucky, before I stand. Ozzie has turned and is headed back into his private quarters, but I stop him with a word. It comes out sharper than I meant for it to.
“Ozzie.”
He pauses and turns partway. “Yeah?”
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I open and close my fists at my sides, trying to get a handle on my temper.
He lets out a long sigh and turns completely to face me. “Sure. What’s up?”
I stand in front of the table, hoping I don’t look as aggressive as I feel. Ozzie does not respond well to threats.
“I was just wondering why you’ve put me at a desk when I should be out in the field with Thibault.”
Ozzie’s eyebrows go up into his hairline. I’ve never questioned his decisions concerning the business before, and maybe I shouldn’t be doing it now, but it’s not like he can sweep this shit under the rug. I deserve an explanation.
“Are you sure you want to have this conversation?”
My heart starts beating way too fast. No, actually I’m not sure I want to have this conversation now, but I’ve already started it. And I’m not one to walk away from something I’ve started without finishing it.
“Yes, I’m sure. I told you before, I don’t want people treating me differently just because I’m pregnant.”
“What makes you think anyone is treating you differently?”
“Because. Like I said, I should be out in the truck with Thibault. May doesn’t belong out there.”
It’s only a flash, but I see his jaw muscle twitch. That’s when I know I’ve pushed him too far. His biceps flex a couple times, sealing my fate. “I don’t really think that’s your call, do you?”
I glance at the floor for a second before staring at his shoulder as I respond. “Probably not. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s true.”
“I think you need to take a closer look at the people around you and stop focusing so much on what you see in the mirror.”
My jaw drops open, but I don’t know what to say to that. Is he calling me self-centered?
“I know you have a lot going on and a bunch on your mind, so I’m going to let your comments about your teammate May slide. I’m also going